Are poachers turning ancient cedars into shingles?

Wilderness Committee wants government to address the issue

Related Stories and Links

VANCOUVER ISLAND (NEWS1130) – When you re-roof your home, where are the materials coming from?

Poachers are trying to cut down ancient cedars in Carmanah-Walbran Provincial Park on Vancouver Island and the Wilderness Committee thinks they might be turning into shingles.

Poachers first tried to cut down the 800-year-old Red Cedar last year. They failed. But the tree, which is nearly three metres across, was damaged so much, Parks staff had to bring it down for safety reasons.

Since then, poachers have returned, cut the tree up and hauled much of it away, further damaging the area. Undergrowth in the park is torn and crushed, and a ditch is caved in and blocked with debris.